University of Lincoln

As an international student, my experience at the University of Lincoln has been profoundly disappointing and distressing. Despite the university’s public assertions of promoting diversity and inclusion, the reality I encountered was starkly different. There exists a clear division between local and international students, not only socially but structurally within the academic environment. British students often benefit from experienced, highly capable lecturers, while international students are frequently assigned teachers from similar countries (Pakistan, Nigeria, India), many of whom seemed unprepared and lacked the competence expected at a UK university. This disparity in teaching quality significantly undermines the learning experience for international students.

As the former Chairman of the Pukhtoon Student Federation in Pakistan, I proactively proposed the formation of a cultural society at the university to promote inclusion and representation. After submitting a formal proposal and following up with multiple emails, I received no meaningful response from the administration. Initially, they assured me that such a society would be supported, but in practice, my efforts were entirely disregarded. This demonstrated not just a lack of organizational efficiency but a deeper disregard for genuine student engagement from international communities.

Moreover, my academic progression was severely affected by what I believe to be an excessively harsh penalty over a plagiarism case in a single 15-credit module. Rather than allowing me the opportunity to address the issue, the university failed my entire course and downgraded my qualification to a diploma. Despite attempting to appeal and explain my situation, I felt my concerns were dismissed without proper consideration, leaving me feeling powerless in a system that seemed biased and unsupportive.

The cumulative effect of these experiences led me to a state of severe emotional distress. Because my father sell home that I study here but all they want just money. On three separate occasions, I contemplated ending my life. Each time, it was the teachings of my faith, which prohibit such actions, that prevented me from following through. While I am grateful for the strength my beliefs provided, it is deeply troubling that my university experience brought me to such a point of despair.

Furthermore, the support structures that are purportedly in place for international students were, in my experience, ineffective. Despite the existence of the Students’ Union and various support services, I found that they did not provide the assistance that international students genuinely need. My attempts to seek help were met with indifference, and the resources available seemed more focused on domestic students, leaving international students marginalized and without adequate support.

In conclusion, while the University of Lincoln promotes the image of a diverse and welcoming institution, my lived experience tells a very different story. International students should be aware of the systemic inequalities, lack of genuine support, and potential emotional toll before deciding to study here. Education should be fair, inclusive, and empowering—sadly, this was not my experience at Lincoln.

Really great and welcoming university – haven’t studied there yet, but looking forward to joining in September!